Cable news channels banned in Srinagar

Srinagar, Aug 24 (IANS) The district administration in this summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir Sunday banned current affairs programmes of local TV channels, blaming them for airing inflammatory news and viewpoints.These channels have, however, been allowed to carry on other programmes.

“Different channels on the local TV cable network being operated under Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act, 1995 have been telecasting inflammatory news for quite some time,” an official spokesman said.

“The managements of these channels were also invited to meetings and advised not to use their news and current affairs programmes in this manner. However, the channels failed to comply with the directions and notices issued from time to time in this regard.”

The spokesman said the situation was carefully assessed by the administration before taking the action under law against these channels in the larger public interest and for maintenance of order.

“Srinagar’s district magistrate - in exercise of powers under Section 11(1) of the Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act, 1995 - has issued orders to stop with immediate effect, the telecasting of all news and other items which are inflammatory in nature and thereby disturbing the peace and tranquility of general public,” said the spokesman.

However, the TV channels have been allowed to run the usual entertainment programmes as permitted by the act.

The spokesman made it clear that the government has not imposed any restriction on any national or international channel whose transmission is allowed in the country.